OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

District of Columbia Funeral Service — Requirements & Free Practice

US-DC · License preparation

628 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Combined practice

Choose an exam or combined practice to begin.

Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Funeral Director

Licensing authority: District of Columbia Board of Funeral Directors / Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection · Application information

Licensure by examination
Age
{"sources":[{"carrierClass":"statute","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3-405(a), ordinary funeral director qualifications","name":"D.C. Official Code § 3-405","quote":"(a) Funeral director’s license. — Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, an applicant for licensure as a funeral director shall furnish satisfactory proof to the Mayor that he or she:\n\n \n(1) Is at least 18 years of age;\n\n \n(2) Is a graduate of a high school or possesses the equivalent education as approved by the Mayor;\n\n \n(3) Is a graduate of an accredited school or college of mortuary science whose course of instruction is not less than 12 months in duration or is composed of not less than 840 hours of study; or has successfully completed a 2-year course of study leading to an associate degree in mortuary science;\n\n \n(4) Has had at least 2 years of practical experience as an apprentice funeral director if he or she is a graduate of a school or college of mortuary science, or at least 1 year of practical experience if he or she possesses an associate degree in mortuary science; has actually embalmed at least 25 human remains; and has actually conducted or directed at least 25 funerals. This experience shall be verified by the sworn affidavit of each funeral director under whose immediate supervision the apprentice funeral director’s duties were performed, indicating the number of human remains embalmed by the applicant and the number of funerals conducted or directed during the period of apprenticeship served under the supervision of the funeral director;\n\n \n(5) Is fully acquainted with District and federal laws relating to the practice of funeral directing, in a manner to be determined by the Mayor;\n\n \n(6) Has paid all required fees;\n\n \n(7) Has passed a nationally approved examination; and\n\n \n(8) Has met all additional requirements set by the Mayor.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"1f56be31c7cb9e8ede82e9cba88c84ea59de9713622978b6b95fb464ef028355"},"url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/3-405","version":"Codified provision, pinned September 6, 2026"}],"value":"At least 18 years old."}
Application
{"sources":[{"carrierClass":"statute","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3-405(g), application procedures","name":"D.C. Official Code § 3-405","quote":"(g) Application procedures for licenses. —\n\n \n(1) Each applicant for a license shall file with the Mayor a complete and true application on a form approved by the Mayor.\n\n \n(2) Each application for a funeral director’s and apprentice funeral director’s license shall be accompanied by a recent photograph of the applicant’s face, measuring approximately 1″ x 11/2″.\n\n \n(3) Each application for a license pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be sworn to before a notary public.\n\n \n(4) The Mayor shall review and take action on all applications within a reasonable time after filing. An applicant for any license has the burden of proving compliance with the qualifications and requirements for obtaining the license desired. The Mayor may not presume qualifications and requirements not shown on the application. The Mayor may refuse to act on the application and may require the applicant to submit additional information if the application contains incomplete or evasive information.\n\n \n(5) The Mayor may deny, after notice and opportunity for hearing, any application if: (A) The applicant has knowingly made or allowed to be made on his behalf any false or misleading statements in connection with his or her application, or (B) the applicant or an agent of the applicant has attempted to improperly influence any member of the Board or officer or employee of the District in the discharge of duties relating to the application.\n\n \n(6) Each applicant for a funeral director’s license for which an examination is required shall make application to take the examination not later than 60 calendar days prior to the date of the examination.\n\n \n(7) Procedures governing applications for a funeral director’s license, an apprentice funeral director’s license, a surviving spouse license, and a license to operate a funeral services establishment shall be prescribed in rules and regulations issued by the Mayor pursuant to § 3-420.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"1f56be31c7cb9e8ede82e9cba88c84ea59de9713622978b6b95fb464ef028355"},"url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/3-405","version":"Codified provision, pinned September 6, 2026"},{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"Applicant / Funeral Director by Examination","name":"DLCP — Board of Funeral Directors","quote":"Funeral Director by Examination\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\nMust have graduated from a mortuary science program; serve a minimum 1 year apprenticeship if have a mortuary science Associate of Arts degree and 2 year apprenticeship with a mortuary science certificate\n\n\t\n While an apprentice, embalm a minimum of 25 decedents and conduct a minimum of 25 funerals under supervision of a licensed funeral director\n\n\t\nPass the arts and science parts of the National Board exam\n\n\t\nPass the DC written law exam\n\n\t\nPass the DC embalming practical exam.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"90a5ccc5fb3138957724320743688d7b7158cfb3ba17adf6c9914a6a217729aa"},"url":"https://dlcp.dc.gov/page/board-funeral-directors","version":"Current Board application and examination instructions, checked October 10, 2026"}],"value":"Complete, true, notarized application, photograph, fees and Board examination approval; submit a funeral-director examination application at least 60 calendar days before the examination."}
Education
{"sources":[{"carrierClass":"statute","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3-405(a), ordinary funeral director qualifications","name":"D.C. Official Code § 3-405","quote":"(a) Funeral director’s license. — Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, an applicant for licensure as a funeral director shall furnish satisfactory proof to the Mayor that he or she:\n\n \n(1) Is at least 18 years of age;\n\n \n(2) Is a graduate of a high school or possesses the equivalent education as approved by the Mayor;\n\n \n(3) Is a graduate of an accredited school or college of mortuary science whose course of instruction is not less than 12 months in duration or is composed of not less than 840 hours of study; or has successfully completed a 2-year course of study leading to an associate degree in mortuary science;\n\n \n(4) Has had at least 2 years of practical experience as an apprentice funeral director if he or she is a graduate of a school or college of mortuary science, or at least 1 year of practical experience if he or she possesses an associate degree in mortuary science; has actually embalmed at least 25 human remains; and has actually conducted or directed at least 25 funerals. This experience shall be verified by the sworn affidavit of each funeral director under whose immediate supervision the apprentice funeral director’s duties were performed, indicating the number of human remains embalmed by the applicant and the number of funerals conducted or directed during the period of apprenticeship served under the supervision of the funeral director;\n\n \n(5) Is fully acquainted with District and federal laws relating to the practice of funeral directing, in a manner to be determined by the Mayor;\n\n \n(6) Has paid all required fees;\n\n \n(7) Has passed a nationally approved examination; and\n\n \n(8) Has met all additional requirements set by the Mayor.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"1f56be31c7cb9e8ede82e9cba88c84ea59de9713622978b6b95fb464ef028355"},"url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/3-405","version":"Codified provision, pinned September 6, 2026"}],"value":"High school or approved equivalent and qualifying accredited mortuary-science education: at least 12 months/840 hours or a two-year associate degree."}
Experience
{"sources":[{"carrierClass":"statute","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3-405(a), ordinary funeral director qualifications","name":"D.C. Official Code § 3-405","quote":"(a) Funeral director’s license. — Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, an applicant for licensure as a funeral director shall furnish satisfactory proof to the Mayor that he or she:\n\n \n(1) Is at least 18 years of age;\n\n \n(2) Is a graduate of a high school or possesses the equivalent education as approved by the Mayor;\n\n \n(3) Is a graduate of an accredited school or college of mortuary science whose course of instruction is not less than 12 months in duration or is composed of not less than 840 hours of study; or has successfully completed a 2-year course of study leading to an associate degree in mortuary science;\n\n \n(4) Has had at least 2 years of practical experience as an apprentice funeral director if he or she is a graduate of a school or college of mortuary science, or at least 1 year of practical experience if he or she possesses an associate degree in mortuary science; has actually embalmed at least 25 human remains; and has actually conducted or directed at least 25 funerals. This experience shall be verified by the sworn affidavit of each funeral director under whose immediate supervision the apprentice funeral director’s duties were performed, indicating the number of human remains embalmed by the applicant and the number of funerals conducted or directed during the period of apprenticeship served under the supervision of the funeral director;\n\n \n(5) Is fully acquainted with District and federal laws relating to the practice of funeral directing, in a manner to be determined by the Mayor;\n\n \n(6) Has paid all required fees;\n\n \n(7) Has passed a nationally approved examination; and\n\n \n(8) Has met all additional requirements set by the Mayor.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"1f56be31c7cb9e8ede82e9cba88c84ea59de9713622978b6b95fb464ef028355"},"url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/3-405","version":"Codified provision, pinned September 6, 2026"}],"value":"At least two years of apprenticeship with a mortuary-school qualification, or at least one year with an associate degree; actually embalm at least 25 remains and direct at least 25 funerals, verified by supervising directors. The statute controls the one-year requirement even where § 3002.1(c)(2) lists only case numbers."}
Required practical examination
{"sources":[{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"Applicant / Funeral Director by Examination","name":"DLCP — Board of Funeral Directors","quote":"Funeral Director by Examination\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\nMust have graduated from a mortuary science program; serve a minimum 1 year apprenticeship if have a mortuary science Associate of Arts degree and 2 year apprenticeship with a mortuary science certificate\n\n\t\n While an apprentice, embalm a minimum of 25 decedents and conduct a minimum of 25 funerals under supervision of a licensed funeral director\n\n\t\nPass the arts and science parts of the National Board exam\n\n\t\nPass the DC written law exam\n\n\t\nPass the DC embalming practical exam.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"90a5ccc5fb3138957724320743688d7b7158cfb3ba17adf6c9914a6a217729aa"},"url":"https://dlcp.dc.gov/page/board-funeral-directors","version":"Current Board application and examination instructions, checked October 10, 2026"},{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3002.4-.5, required assessments and national results","name":"17 DCMR § 3002","quote":"3002.4.\n\n3002.2\tAn applicant for a license who meets the requirements of §3002.1(c)(2) shall submit with the appplication a signed statement from each funeral director under whose immediate supervision the apprentice funeral director's duties were performed which shall contain the following information:\n\n(a)\tThe number of human remains embalmed by the applicant;\n\n(b)\tThe number of funerals conducted or directed during the period of apprenticeship served under the supervision of the funeral director;\n\n(c)\tA professional evaluation of the applicant's performance.\n\n3002.3\tThe practical experience required by §3002.1(c) shall include full-time supervised training in all aspects of the business and practice of funeral directing, including the following:\n\n(a)\tThe care, disposal, and preservation, by embalming or otherwise, of human remains;\n\n(b)\tThe sale of funeral goods and services; and\n\n(c)\tBusiness management.\n\n3002.4\tThe examination required by §3002.1(d) shall consist of the following three (3) parts:\n\n(a)\tThe national examination approved by the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards;\n\n(b)\tAn oral examination developed by the Board; and\n\n(c)\tA practical demonstration developed by the Board.\n\n3002.5\tAn applicant shall demonstrate receipt of a passing score (as determined by the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards) on the national examination part of the examination by arranging with the National Testing Service to forward a copy of the applicant's results directly to the Director.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"e675f8c5dcc3a1e34d120ec1007b0f47f998144a35c8debc07854a208e03e019"},"url":"https://dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/RuleList.aspx?DownloadFile=B0FF545F-0000-C63A-BD8B-93124BE7D5D6","version":"Final rulemaking published April 22, 1988"},{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3002.7-.8, practical questions and administration","name":"17 DCMR § 3002","quote":"3002.7\tThe practical demonstration part of the examination may include specific oral questions on manual procedures, anatomical considerations and pathological conditions which are relevant to the proper care, preparation and preservation of human remains.\n\n3002.8\tThe Board shall conduct the oral examination and practical demonstration parts of the examination at least two (2) times a year at a date, time, and location determined by the Board.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"e675f8c5dcc3a1e34d120ec1007b0f47f998144a35c8debc07854a208e03e019"},"url":"https://dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/RuleList.aspx?DownloadFile=B0FF545F-0000-C63A-BD8B-93124BE7D5D6","version":"Final rulemaking published April 22, 1988"}],"value":"Must pass the DC embalming practical examination. Its verified identity is exam-dc-funeral-service-embalming-practical; registration of a version awaits official scoring evidence under the explicit membership fact gap. This condition records a mandatory assessment, not a waiver."}
Statutory oral requirement
{"sources":[{"carrierClass":"statute","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3-405(h)(2)-(5), assessment boundaries","name":"D.C. Official Code § 3-405","quote":"(2) Except as provided in § 3-420, the funeral director’s license examination shall consist of the following 3 parts: (A) Written examination, (B) oral examination, and (C) practical demonstration.\n\n \n(3) The Mayor may waive the written portion of the examination if an applicant for a funeral director’s license has previously passed the written portion of the nationally approved examination as defined by § 3-402(16).\n\n \n(4)(A) The written portion of the funeral director’s license examination shall consist of questions relating to embalming, anatomy, pathology, bacteriology, chemistry, restorative art, and mortuary administration.\n\n \n(B) The practical demonstration portion of the funeral director’s license examination shall consist of a demonstration by the applicant, in the presence of 2 or more members of the Board, of his or her knowledge and skill in the care, preparation, and preservation of human remains.\n\n \n(C) The oral portion of the funeral director’s license examination shall consist of questions on District and federal laws and regulations governing the practice of funeral directing, including, but not limited to, the following subjects:\n\n \n(i) Human tissue banks and anatomical gifts;\n\n \n(ii) Vital statistics and containers for cremated human remains;\n\n \n(iii) Trafficking in dead bodies;\n\n \n(iv) Cemeteries and crematories;\n\n \n(v) Licensing of funeral directors; and\n\n \n(vi) Penalty provisions.\n\n \n(5) The oral portion of the funeral director’s license examination shall be administered to an applicant in the presence of 2 or more members of the Board, at least 2 of whom shall be licensed funeral directors.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"1f56be31c7cb9e8ede82e9cba88c84ea59de9713622978b6b95fb464ef028355"},"url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/3-405","version":"Codified provision, pinned September 6, 2026"},{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3002.6, legal-knowledge oral assessment","name":"17 DCMR § 3002","quote":"3002.6\tThe oral examination part of the examination shall include specific questions on District and federal laws and regulations concerning the practice of funeral directing, including, but not limited to, the following:\n\n(a)\tThe Anatomical Board, human tissue banks, and anatomical gifts;\n\n(b)\tVital statistics and containers for cremated human remains;\n\n(c)\tTrafficking in dead bodies;\n\n(d)\tCemeteries and crematories;\n\n(e)\tLicensing of funeral directors, apprentice funeral directors, and funeral services establishments; and\n\n(f)\tPenalty provisions.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"e675f8c5dcc3a1e34d120ec1007b0f47f998144a35c8debc07854a208e03e019"},"url":"https://dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/RuleList.aspx?DownloadFile=B0FF545F-0000-C63A-BD8B-93124BE7D5D6","version":"Final rulemaking published April 22, 1988"}],"value":"The controlling legal text requires the oral legal-knowledge assessment. Current implementation identifies written/computer examinations; the sources do not establish their relationship, and no waiver or equivalence is inferred."}
Written score waiver
{"sources":[{"carrierClass":"statute","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3-405(h)(3), previous national written result waiver","name":"D.C. Official Code § 3-405","quote":"(3) The Mayor may waive the written portion of the examination if an applicant for a funeral director’s license has previously passed the written portion of the nationally approved examination as defined by § 3-402(16).","sourceFile":{"sha256":"1f56be31c7cb9e8ede82e9cba88c84ea59de9713622978b6b95fb464ef028355"},"url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/3-405","version":"Codified provision, pinned September 6, 2026"}],"value":"The Mayor may waive the written national portion if the applicant previously passed the nationally approved written examination; current offered registered national examinations remain leaves."}
Licensure by reciprocity
District of Columbia Written Law Examination
Board implementation limit
{"sources":[{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"Applicant / Funeral Director by Reciprocity","name":"DLCP — Board of Funeral Directors","quote":"Funeral Director by Reciprocity “North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland only”\n\n\n\n\n\nN.C & V.A Requirements \n\n\n\n\n\n\t\nArrange for a letter of good standing to be sent to the Board of Funeral Directors \n\n\t\nArrange to have the passing scores from The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Board’s (ICFSEB) “National and law” Exam sent to the board \n\n\t\nProof of current license \n\n\t\nPlease see \nVirginia and DC Reciprocity Agreement\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMaryland \n\n\n\n\n\n\t\nArrange for a letter of good standing to be sent to the Board of Funeral Directors \n\n\t\nArrange to have the passing scores from The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Board’s (ICFSEB) “National and law” Exam sent to the board\n\n\t\nArrange to have the passing scores from The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Board’s (ICFSEB) “National and law” Exam sent to the board\n\n\t\nProvide proof of 5 years’ consecutive work experience in Maryland: Maryland\n\n\tFuneral Director Work Experience Verification Form\n\n\t\nProvide proof of Maryland license","sourceFile":{"sha256":"90a5ccc5fb3138957724320743688d7b7158cfb3ba17adf6c9914a6a217729aa"},"url":"https://dlcp.dc.gov/page/board-funeral-directors","version":"Current Board application and examination instructions, checked October 10, 2026"}],"value":"The Board page describes reciprocity as North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland only; it asks for National and law examination scores and for five consecutive years of Maryland work experience. The statutory route is retained on § 3-405(c) terms; these additional lower-ranked demands are disclosed rather than silently substituted into the statute. No other jurisdiction is investigated."}
Reciprocal license
{"sources":[{"carrierClass":"statute","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3-405(c), reciprocity qualifications","name":"D.C. Official Code § 3-405","quote":"(c) Reciprocity. — An applicant for a license by reciprocity to practice as a funeral director in the District must furnish proof to the Mayor that he or she:\n\n \n(1) Is currently licensed in good standing as a funeral director in a state or territory of the United States wherein the requirements for licensure are substantially equal to or exceed those in effect in the District, and which state or territory admits funeral directors licensed by the District in a like manner; and\n\n \n(2) Meets the qualifications specified in paragraphs (1), (2), (5), and (6) of subsection (a) of this section.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"1f56be31c7cb9e8ede82e9cba88c84ea59de9713622978b6b95fb464ef028355"},"url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/3-405","version":"Codified provision, pinned September 6, 2026"},{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3004.1-.2, reciprocity and law assessment","name":"17 DCMR § 3004","quote":"3004.1\tAn applicant for a license under this section shall furnish proof to the Board that the applicant meets the following requirements:\n\n(a)\tIs a graduate of a high school, by arranging for a certified transcript to be sent directly to the Director from the applicant's high school; and\n\n(b)\tIs currently licensed and in good standing as a funeral director in a state or territory of the United States wherein the requirements for licensure are substantially equal to or exceed those in effect in the District, and which state or territory admits funeral directors licensed by the District in a like manner, by submitting from the state or territory a current certificate of licensure in good standing and a certificate which verifies that the state or territory admits funeral directors licensed in the District in a like manner.\n\n3004.2\tTo be licensed under this section, an applicant shall be required to achieve a passing grade, as determined by the Board, on the oral part of an examination administered by the Board pursuant to §3002.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"83b9a6e84051320822b393d61cf57ac694e931c041af7e81741194fe801f4909"},"url":"https://dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/RuleList.aspx?DownloadFile=B0FF545F-0000-C37B-8DDB-7454719B9E32","version":"Final rulemaking published April 22, 1988"}],"value":"Good-standing US funeral-director license with substantially equal or greater qualifications and reciprocal admission of DC licensees; age, high-school/equivalent, law knowledge and fees required. Section 3004.2 requires the Board legal-knowledge oral part."}
Statutory oral requirement
{"sources":[{"carrierClass":"statute","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3-405(h)(2)-(5), assessment boundaries","name":"D.C. Official Code § 3-405","quote":"(2) Except as provided in § 3-420, the funeral director’s license examination shall consist of the following 3 parts: (A) Written examination, (B) oral examination, and (C) practical demonstration.\n\n \n(3) The Mayor may waive the written portion of the examination if an applicant for a funeral director’s license has previously passed the written portion of the nationally approved examination as defined by § 3-402(16).\n\n \n(4)(A) The written portion of the funeral director’s license examination shall consist of questions relating to embalming, anatomy, pathology, bacteriology, chemistry, restorative art, and mortuary administration.\n\n \n(B) The practical demonstration portion of the funeral director’s license examination shall consist of a demonstration by the applicant, in the presence of 2 or more members of the Board, of his or her knowledge and skill in the care, preparation, and preservation of human remains.\n\n \n(C) The oral portion of the funeral director’s license examination shall consist of questions on District and federal laws and regulations governing the practice of funeral directing, including, but not limited to, the following subjects:\n\n \n(i) Human tissue banks and anatomical gifts;\n\n \n(ii) Vital statistics and containers for cremated human remains;\n\n \n(iii) Trafficking in dead bodies;\n\n \n(iv) Cemeteries and crematories;\n\n \n(v) Licensing of funeral directors; and\n\n \n(vi) Penalty provisions.\n\n \n(5) The oral portion of the funeral director’s license examination shall be administered to an applicant in the presence of 2 or more members of the Board, at least 2 of whom shall be licensed funeral directors.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"1f56be31c7cb9e8ede82e9cba88c84ea59de9713622978b6b95fb464ef028355"},"url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/3-405","version":"Codified provision, pinned September 6, 2026"},{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3002.6, legal-knowledge oral assessment","name":"17 DCMR § 3002","quote":"3002.6\tThe oral examination part of the examination shall include specific questions on District and federal laws and regulations concerning the practice of funeral directing, including, but not limited to, the following:\n\n(a)\tThe Anatomical Board, human tissue banks, and anatomical gifts;\n\n(b)\tVital statistics and containers for cremated human remains;\n\n(c)\tTrafficking in dead bodies;\n\n(d)\tCemeteries and crematories;\n\n(e)\tLicensing of funeral directors, apprentice funeral directors, and funeral services establishments; and\n\n(f)\tPenalty provisions.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"e675f8c5dcc3a1e34d120ec1007b0f47f998144a35c8debc07854a208e03e019"},"url":"https://dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/RuleList.aspx?DownloadFile=B0FF545F-0000-C63A-BD8B-93124BE7D5D6","version":"Final rulemaking published April 22, 1988"}],"value":"The controlling legal text requires the oral legal-knowledge assessment. Current implementation identifies written/computer examinations; the sources do not establish their relationship, and no waiver or equivalence is inferred."}
Timely renewal and statutory late renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
{"sources":[{"carrierClass":"statute","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3-406(b)-(e), ordinary renewal requirements","name":"D.C. Official Code § 3-406","quote":"(b) Every license in good standing issued in accordance with this chapter shall expire on a date set by the Mayor and shall be renewed as determined by the Mayor in rules and regulations to be issued pursuant to § 3-420. On or before the 30th day preceding expiration, the Mayor shall mail an application for renewal to the last known address of each person holding a license in good standing. Failure to receive this application shall not be a proper defense of any person failing to renew any required license.\n\n \n(c) Each person holding a license in good standing issued pursuant to this chapter, and who wishes to continue practice in the District, shall, on or before the last day of each term, file an application for renewal of the license accompanied by the proper fee.\n\n \n(d) Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, upon receipt of a renewal application and the proper fee, the Mayor shall issue a renewal for the new license year.\n\n \n(e) Any person holding a license issued under the provisions of this chapter who fails to file an application for renewal and pay the required fee on or before the last day of any license term, and who, after the first day of the new term, performs in the District the duties of a licensee, shall be found in violation of this chapter. Any license that is not renewed within 30 days of the expiration of its term, shall be terminated.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"24f5a7b08570ba6432ef9aee80afc416e18817ab96dd292472bccc07d6079db6"},"url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/3-406","version":"Codified provision, pinned September 6, 2026"},{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3008.1-.4, renewal and apprentice duration","name":"17 DCMR § 3008","quote":"3008.1\tA license issued or renewed pursuant to this chapter expires at midnight on December 31 of each odd-numbered year unless the Director changes the renewal system pursuant to §3306 of chapter 33 of this title.\n\n3008.2\tA person who fails to file an application for renewal prior to the expiration date of the license may file a late application within thirty (30) days of the expiration of the license upon payment of the required renewal and late fees, but is not authorized to practice until the license is renewed.\n\n3008.3\tA license that is not renewed within thirty (30) days of its expiration lapses.\n\n3008.4\tA license as an apprentice funeral director may not be renewed beyond four (4) years after the date of issuance of the initial license. If the normal terms of such a license would extend beyond the expiration of this period, the terms of the license shall be shortened so that the four (4) year limitation is not exceeded.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"d27d71b68401149b24e60429d732ed12f2b2ed9a55bb762cecc0ddd8926c9ed3"},"url":"https://dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/RuleList.aspx?DownloadFile=C0FF545F-0000-CB61-AA3E-DB08A09B4E5B","version":"Final rulemaking published April 22, 1988"},{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"Licensee / Continuing Education","name":"DLCP — Board of Funeral Directors","quote":"Upload Certificate (s) demonstrating twelve (12) credits hours per cycle completed from DC Board of Funeral Directors approved providers.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"90a5ccc5fb3138957724320743688d7b7158cfb3ba17adf6c9914a6a217729aa"},"url":"https://dlcp.dc.gov/page/board-funeral-directors","version":"Current Board application and examination instructions, checked October 10, 2026"}],"value":"Existing license in good standing, renewal application and fees by expiration; late application within 30 days under the profession-specific statute/rule, with no practice until renewed. Apprentice renewal cannot extend beyond four years after initial issuance. Funeral-director Board instructions also require 12 approved continuing-education credits per cycle."}

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-10-10.

Licensure by waiver / endorsement
District of Columbia Written Law Examination
Existing license
{"sources":[{"carrierClass":"statute","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3-405(i), licensure by waiver","name":"D.C. Official Code § 3-405","quote":"(i)(1) The Board may issue a license to practice as a funeral director in the District to an applicant who is licensed by another state by waiver of the examination and apprenticeship requirements of subsection (a) of this section.\n\n \n(2) An applicant for a license to practice as a funeral director in the District shall furnish proof to the Board that he or she:\n\n \n(A) Is currently licensed in good standing as a funeral director in a state or territory of the United States with requirements for licensure that are substantially similar to those in effect in the District;\n\n \n(B) Has practiced continuously in the state or territory of licensure as a funeral director for at least 5 years preceding his or her application; and\n\n \n(C) Meets the qualifications specified in subsection (a)(1), (2), (5), and (6) of this section.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"1f56be31c7cb9e8ede82e9cba88c84ea59de9713622978b6b95fb464ef028355"},"url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/3-405","version":"Codified provision, pinned September 6, 2026"},{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"Applicant / Funeral Director by Waiver/Endorsement","name":"DLCP — Board of Funeral Directors","quote":"Funeral Director by Waiver/Endorsement \n\n\n\n\n\n\t\nOne 2”x2” passport-style photo (.jpeg format)\n\n\t\nUn-expired government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license)\n\n\t\nDebit or credit card to pay application, exam, or license fees\n\n\t\nMust be 18 or older\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDocuments/Requirements \n\n\n\n\n\n\t\nWritten portions may be waived if previously passed\n\n\t\nCopy of high school transcript and diploma \n\n\t\nArrange for a letter of good standing to be sent to the Board of Funeral Directors \n\n\t\nProvide proof of 5 continuous years of practice as a Funeral Director \n\n\t\nMust pass DC law exam \n\n\t\nProvide a letter from the jurisdiction in which you are licensed. The letter must prove to have equal, or greater licensure requirements for Funeral Directors than in the District of Columbia. Correspondence must come directly from that jurisdiction to the Board of Funeral Directors.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"90a5ccc5fb3138957724320743688d7b7158cfb3ba17adf6c9914a6a217729aa"},"url":"https://dlcp.dc.gov/page/board-funeral-directors","version":"Current Board application and examination instructions, checked October 10, 2026"}],"value":"Current good-standing license in a US jurisdiction with substantially similar qualifications, five continuous years of practice, age 18+, high school/equivalent, fees and District/federal law knowledge; the Board exercises its examination/apprenticeship waiver authority but requires the DC law exam."}
Previous written result
{"sources":[{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"Applicant / Funeral Director by Waiver/Endorsement","name":"DLCP — Board of Funeral Directors","quote":"Funeral Director by Waiver/Endorsement \n\n\n\n\n\n\t\nOne 2”x2” passport-style photo (.jpeg format)\n\n\t\nUn-expired government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license)\n\n\t\nDebit or credit card to pay application, exam, or license fees\n\n\t\nMust be 18 or older\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDocuments/Requirements \n\n\n\n\n\n\t\nWritten portions may be waived if previously passed\n\n\t\nCopy of high school transcript and diploma \n\n\t\nArrange for a letter of good standing to be sent to the Board of Funeral Directors \n\n\t\nProvide proof of 5 continuous years of practice as a Funeral Director \n\n\t\nMust pass DC law exam \n\n\t\nProvide a letter from the jurisdiction in which you are licensed. The letter must prove to have equal, or greater licensure requirements for Funeral Directors than in the District of Columbia. Correspondence must come directly from that jurisdiction to the Board of Funeral Directors.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"90a5ccc5fb3138957724320743688d7b7158cfb3ba17adf6c9914a6a217729aa"},"url":"https://dlcp.dc.gov/page/board-funeral-directors","version":"Current Board application and examination instructions, checked October 10, 2026"}],"value":"The Board page states: Written portions may be waived if previously passed."}
Statutory oral requirement
{"sources":[{"carrierClass":"statute","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3-405(h)(2)-(5), assessment boundaries","name":"D.C. Official Code § 3-405","quote":"(2) Except as provided in § 3-420, the funeral director’s license examination shall consist of the following 3 parts: (A) Written examination, (B) oral examination, and (C) practical demonstration.\n\n \n(3) The Mayor may waive the written portion of the examination if an applicant for a funeral director’s license has previously passed the written portion of the nationally approved examination as defined by § 3-402(16).\n\n \n(4)(A) The written portion of the funeral director’s license examination shall consist of questions relating to embalming, anatomy, pathology, bacteriology, chemistry, restorative art, and mortuary administration.\n\n \n(B) The practical demonstration portion of the funeral director’s license examination shall consist of a demonstration by the applicant, in the presence of 2 or more members of the Board, of his or her knowledge and skill in the care, preparation, and preservation of human remains.\n\n \n(C) The oral portion of the funeral director’s license examination shall consist of questions on District and federal laws and regulations governing the practice of funeral directing, including, but not limited to, the following subjects:\n\n \n(i) Human tissue banks and anatomical gifts;\n\n \n(ii) Vital statistics and containers for cremated human remains;\n\n \n(iii) Trafficking in dead bodies;\n\n \n(iv) Cemeteries and crematories;\n\n \n(v) Licensing of funeral directors; and\n\n \n(vi) Penalty provisions.\n\n \n(5) The oral portion of the funeral director’s license examination shall be administered to an applicant in the presence of 2 or more members of the Board, at least 2 of whom shall be licensed funeral directors.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"1f56be31c7cb9e8ede82e9cba88c84ea59de9713622978b6b95fb464ef028355"},"url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/3-405","version":"Codified provision, pinned September 6, 2026"},{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-10","locator":"§ 3002.6, legal-knowledge oral assessment","name":"17 DCMR § 3002","quote":"3002.6\tThe oral examination part of the examination shall include specific questions on District and federal laws and regulations concerning the practice of funeral directing, including, but not limited to, the following:\n\n(a)\tThe Anatomical Board, human tissue banks, and anatomical gifts;\n\n(b)\tVital statistics and containers for cremated human remains;\n\n(c)\tTrafficking in dead bodies;\n\n(d)\tCemeteries and crematories;\n\n(e)\tLicensing of funeral directors, apprentice funeral directors, and funeral services establishments; and\n\n(f)\tPenalty provisions.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"e675f8c5dcc3a1e34d120ec1007b0f47f998144a35c8debc07854a208e03e019"},"url":"https://dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/RuleList.aspx?DownloadFile=B0FF545F-0000-C63A-BD8B-93124BE7D5D6","version":"Final rulemaking published April 22, 1988"}],"value":"The controlling legal text requires the oral legal-knowledge assessment. Current implementation identifies written/computer examinations; the sources do not establish their relationship, and no waiver or equivalence is inferred."}

District of Columbia Written Law Examination

Provider
PSI for the District of Columbia Board of Funeral Directors
Format
Computer-administered examination
Exam questions
50 items
Examination outline
  • Title 7, Chapter 2: Vital Records (4%)
  • Title 3, Chapter 4: Board of Funeral Directors (16%)
  • Title 5, Chapter 14: Chief Medical Examiner (8%)
  • Title 18, Chapter 22, Section 18-2218: Funeral Processions, Parades, and Other Authorized Processions (8%)
  • Title 17, Chapter 30: Funeral Directors (24%)
  • Title 17, Chapter 31: Funeral Services Establishments (20%)
  • Title 17, Chapter 33: General Rules (16%)
  • Title 43, Chapter 1: Cemeteries and Crematories (4%)
Examination sources

National Board Exam Arts

Provider
The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (The Conference); computer-based exam administered by Pearson at Pearson Professional Centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination, administered, paid for, scheduled and scored separately from the NBE-Sciences section; a basic calculator is built into the exam software
Exam questions
170 multiple-choice questions: 150 scored and 20 non-scored pretest questions
Time limit
170 minutes for the exam (the appointment also includes a 3-minute non-disclosure agreement, a 3-minute release-of-results screen and a 7-minute tutorial)
Passing score
Scaled score of 75 (pass/fail)
Exam fee
$285 per section
Examination outline
  • I. Funeral Arranging and Directing (51 of 150 scored items; 34% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (34%)
  • II. Funeral Service Marketing/Merchandising (21 of 150 scored items; 14% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (14%)
  • III. Funeral Service Counseling (19 of 150 scored items; 13% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (13%)
  • IV. Legal and Regulatory Compliance (35 of 150 scored items; 23% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (23%)
  • V. Cemetery/Crematory/Other Dispositions (24 of 150 scored items; 16% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (16%)
Examination sources

National Board Exam Sciences

Provider
The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (The Conference); computer-based exam administered by Pearson at Pearson Professional Centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination, administered, paid for, scheduled and scored separately from the NBE-Arts section; a basic calculator is built into the exam software
Exam questions
170 multiple-choice questions: 150 scored and 20 non-scored pretest questions
Time limit
170 minutes for the exam (the appointment also includes a 3-minute non-disclosure agreement, a 3-minute release-of-results screen and a 7-minute tutorial)
Passing score
Scaled score of 75 (pass/fail)
Exam fee
$285 per section
Examination outline
  • I. Embalming (62 of 150 scored items; 41% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (41%)
  • II. Restorative Art (34 of 150 scored items; 23% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (23%)
  • III. Other Preparation of the Deceased (28 of 150 scored items; 19% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (19%)
  • IV. Funeral Service Sciences (26 of 150 scored items; 17% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (17%)
Examination sources